Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Photo collage: temporary lane closure, road marking installation, cone with mounted warning light, and drum separated work zones.
Office of Operations 21st Century Operations Using 21st Century Technologies

Text from 'ITS & Traffic Control' PowerPoint Presentation

Workshops > ITS and Mitigation

Slide 01

Title: ITS & Traffic Control

By Michael P. Klatt

From United Rentals Highway Technologies

Slide 02

Title: Evolution of ITS into Traffic Control

"Intelligent Transportation Systems"

Slide 03

Title: Evolution of ITS - Traffic Control

Diagram: This diagram shows the evolution of traffic control devices. The first traffic control devices were items such as saw-horses, cones, barrels, etc. Then they evolved to static signage beacons.

Slide 04

Title: Evolution of ITS - Traffic Control

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the continued evolution of traffic control devices from static signage beacons to stand-alone "local" VMS.

Slide 05

Title: Evolution of ITS - Traffic Control

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the continued evolution of traffic control devices from stand-alone "local" VMS to stand-alone "remote" VMS.

Slide 06

Title: Evolution of ITS - Traffic Control

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the continued evolution of traffic control devices from stand-alone "remote" VMS, to CAMS, then to HAR, then to speed trailers, then finally to traffic sensors.

Slide 07

Title: Evolution of ITS - Traffic Control

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the cluttered situation in traffic control. There is an orange box with a line leading to the words "Celtel, pager, software, multiple vendors." This box and words are repeated 15 times in the diagram, stacking on top of each other vertically. Underneath this stack are the words: "Cluttered work zone, lots of orange stuff, some local, some cellular, some pager, some with software, all from many vendors... few who could operate everything."

Slide 08

Title: Evolution of ITS - Traffic Control

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the cluttered situation in traffic control. There is the same image that was on slide 08. Underneath this image are the words: "RESULT: Little or Misinformation to motorists. Often irrelevant, untimely, and frustrating to motorists. Bad PR ... Safety concerns/distractions."

Slide 09

Title: ITS Integration into Traffic Control

  • Technology: Devices (e.g. VMS, HAR, Cams, Sensors, software, etc.)
  • Operations
    1. Accurate Information
    2. Timely Information
    3. Pertinent Information
    4. Properly Trained Information Decision Makers

Slide 10

Title: Integration Objective

  • Provide Accurate Real Time traffic data from the work zone/corridor
  • Provide a cohesive, truly integrated solution that eliminates typical "finger-pointing"
  • Automate common or repetitive tasks
  • Archive historical data
  • Improve public relations
  • Save DOT personnel time/Department

Increase Safety for workers & motorists

Diagram: This graphic is a square picture of a computer interface screen showing a road map, with icons illustrating traffic flow at different points on the road map. The icons include the phrases "traffic slowing" and "road work ahead." These are meant to alert people to traffic conditions.

Slide 11

Title: ITS Integration Challenges

  • Multiple vendors of devices (vms, har, cams, etc.) and integration / compatibility concerns
  • Wireless communications: cellular phone overload, pager access areas, security and availability
  • Proprietary software, DOT/Contractor "had" to purchase
  • Upgrade costs, maintenance costs, licensing, etc.

= NTCIP - standard protocol development

  • Operations training, personnel costs, facility costs, contractor relations...

Slide 12

Title: Automated Information Management System (AIMS)

Diagram: This graphic illustrates the effect of the AIMS Central Control System - NTOC, showing where traffic data is collected from, and then where the data goes. The elements of AIMS´ "Data Collection & Input From the Work Zone" are "video cameras and imaging" and "traffic detection and sensing." The elements of AIMS´ "Dissemination of Information Current Traffic Conditions & Instructions" are "variable message signs," "highway advisory radio, AM broadcast," "tune to alert beacon signs," "web site updates," and "pager, PDA & PC Email alerts."

Slide 13

Title: Integrated ITS Benefits

  • One integrated software package that controls all devices in the work zone     
    • initially, manually controlled
    • automate repetitive functions
  • Trained information officers to provide legally and politically correct and accurate information to motorists.
  • Work Zone "systems" specifications developed and bid for consistent, fully functional ITS traffic control systems. (hardware & software integration requirements)

Slide 14

Title: Turnkey Solutions

  • One source of software and devices that controls all work zone equipment
    • truly turnkey
  • URHT local supply, service & support for work zone devices, maintenance and software
  • NTOC - Nat'l. Traffic Operations Center - complete operations, 24/7/365
  • One point of contact for complete system and device responsibility !

Slide 15

Title: Automated Information Management System (AIMS)

Diagram: This graphic illustrates the effect of the AIMS Central Control System - NTOC, showing where traffic data is collected from, and then where the data goes. The elements of AIMS' "Data Collection & Input From the Work Zone" are "video cameras and imaging" and "traffic detection and sensing." The elements of AIMS' "Dissemination of Information Current Traffic Conditions & Instructions" are "variable message signs," "highway advisory radio, AM broadcast," "tune to alert beacon signs," "web site updates," and "pager, PDA & PC Email alerts."

Slide 16

Title: SmartCam

  • Digital camera/sensor linked to your computer over a wireless connection.  (CDPD, broadband radio link...)
  • Solar powered and 100% portable.
  • Optional PTZ Configuration
  • Streaming Video options

Slide 17

Title: SmartCam

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the ease of use of the SmartCam. The text states: "just type in the IP address of the sensor or camera and within moments you have live data and images from your work zone." There are two pictures of the user interface, showing a screen with several data input areas for the IP address of the sensor or camera, and then a subsequent screen showing the view of traffic from the designated camera.

Slide 18

Title: SmartCam

Diagram: This diagram illustrates the Multiple Image View of the SmartCam. There is a picture of a computer interface showing 10 different views of traffic. The text states: "Get live updates from your entire inventory of SmartCams with one simple click of the mouse."

Slide 19

Title: AIMS Map View

Diagram: This graphic shows a road map with some icons depicting traffic conditions, such as "stopped traffic ahead." This is connected to the following capabilities:

  • Customizable screen graphically depicts the area being monitored.
  • Custom Engineered Design by URHT ITS Services, 100% user definable and project specific.

Slide 20

Title: AIMS Details View

  • All of the devices under system control can be viewed on one screen, including the current state of each device. Any remotely accessible device parameter may be displayed on this screen.

Slide 21

Title: AIMS Message Library

  • Display of all pre-programmed, automated and manual messages available for CMS and HAR by Sequence number and/or message number

Slide 22

Title: AIMS Message Development

Diagram: This graphic illustrates a computer screen with several traffic points represented, and data such as "major traffic incident ahead" and then subsequent driving directions to avoid the particular situation. The following points are stressed:

  • Easy message development for custom, 'on the fly' messages ... for incidents and emergencies

Slide 23

Title: AIMS Emergency Message Overrides

Diagram: This graphic illustrates a computer screen displaying various columns and data sections, showing emergency override information. The following points are stressed:

  • Easy system overrides by any authorized operator.
  • Operator has the ability to override any or all of the devices under system control.

Slide 24

Title: AIMS Access Security

Diagram: This graphic illustrates a sign-on box with fields for identification number and pass code. The following points are stressed:

  • Any function that will effect the system is protected with a user id & password.
  • All Sign On events are logged in a protected file.

Slide 25

Title: AIMS Web Enabled

Diagram: This graphic illustrates a web site interface with the title "Illinois Department of Transportation," and links to message boards and a road map displaying traffic conditions. The following points are stressed:

  • Easily understood current traffic conditions on the web -
  • for Department or general public access
  • "Backdoor" detailed info for Department personnel only

Slide 26

Title: AIMS Web Enabled

Diagram: This graphic picks up the point from Slide 26, saying you can also check the camera page for the latest images of your work zone. This is illustrated by a web page with the title "Illinois Department of Transportation" and four images of roads, showing clear traffic conditions.

Slide 27

Title: AIMS Communications

  • Wireless communications can range from cellular AMPS to CDPD to satellite, 2.4/4.9/5.8 gHZ, etc., depending upon the device and infrastructure services available.
  • Landline communications from POTS dial-up to frame relay & other dedicated high speed fiber point-to-point dedicated connections.  (typically for permanent installations)

Slide 28

Title: AIMS Summary

  • ONE software package that truly integrates the most commonly used traffic control technologies (HAR, VMS, CCTV, Sensors, etc.).
  • SINGLE point of responsibility for software and field devices, integration, communications, maintenance/service and operations.  Truly Turnkey.
  • COMMITTED to long-term, successful relationships with Federal & State agencies, consultants and contractors for timely & successful ITS deployments.
  • DEDICATED resources to ensure software, equipment and personnel performance is the very best available. ITS SERVICES GROUP

Slide 29

Title: AIMS Work Zone Devices

Picture: This picture shows a sign with the words "reduced speed in work zone." This sign is currently deployed on Peace River Bridge/I-75.

Slide 30

Title: AIMS Work Zone Devices

Picture: This picture shows an RTMS Traffic Sensor / Detection, with Video Camera, using CDPD Wireless Communication on the side of the road. The device is currently deployed on Peace River Bridge/I-75.

Slide 31

Title: AIMS Work Zone Devices

Picture: This picture shows a RTMS Traffic Sensor / Detection, 2.4 ghz Wireless Comm by the side of the road. This is currently deployed on I-40 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Slide 32

Title: AIMS Work Zone Devices

Picture: This picture shows a sign with the words "traffic advisory tune to 1640 AM." This is currently deployed on Peace River Bridge/I-75.

Slide 33

Title: AIMS Work Zone Devices

Picture: This picture shows a "Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) AM Broadcast System."  This is currently deployed on Peace River Bridge/I-75.

Slide 34

Title: AIMS Communications

Picture: There are two pictures, each showing one traffic sensor device currently deployed in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Slide 35

Title: AIMS

Integrated ITS Solutions

For Traffic Control

This slide has contact information for Michael Klatt:

Michael P. Klatt
Director Business Development

United Rentals Highway Technologies
ITS Services Group
2500 Regency Parkway
Cary, NC 27511

Tel: 919-654-6831

Fax: 919-675-6775

email: mklatt@ur.com

its@ur.com
Office of Operations